About the Center

Sustainability in public works means seeking a balanced approach for a vibrant community today and tomorrow, and it is accomplished by the efficient delivery of infrastructure in an environmentally and socially responsible way that ensures the best economic choice in the long term.

In establishing the APWA Center for Sustainability (C4S), the APWA Board of Directors recognized that shrinking local budgets, increased cost of materials, more engaged and better informed stakeholders and new regulatory mandates confront public works professionals and make their daily jobs more challenging. These challenges require a new approach to public works management that focuses on innovative, collaborative and whole systems thinking.

The 12 members of the C4S Leadership Group identify and develop tools and best practices to ensure APWA becomes the driving force for sustainability in public works management while growing the next generation of public works leaders with strong sustainability credentials and commitment. Four long-term priorities guide the work of C4S:

establish and promote a framework for sustainability to assist public works professionals in taking a systems approach to their projects;

develop professional development training and education opportunities for APWA members;

identify strategic partners at the federal, state and local levels to leverage resources and promote change; and

advocate for sustainability principles at the federal, state and local levels of government

Want to learn more?

Anne Jackson, the APWA Staff Liaison to C4S, can be reached at 800-848-2792 ext 6750 or ajackson@apwa.net.

The video below from the 2011 International Public Works Congress & Exposition features Mary Anderson, Director of Public Services for the Village of Niles, Illinois, who continues the conversation about sustainability, C4S, and issues public works teams are facing related to sustainability.